Team of Nationally Recognized Baristas Open Their Own Shop in Central East Austin

A team of veteran baristas have opened their own shop, Try Hard Coffee Roasters, in Central East Austin, taking over what was previously Blue Dahlia Cafe. The café is open at 1115 East 11th Street as of June 20.

Try Hard’s menu represents the owners Raechel Hurd, Gabrielle Rose, and Jon French’s passion for coffee, with a full spectrum of roasts and many experimental varieties. Coffee is also for sale by the bag. In addition, there are several housemade non-coffee beverages, like Pineapple Jalapeno Big Swig, with a Tajin spice rim and a sweet coconut cream foam, or an Italian soda made with hibiscus tea concentrate.

Try Hard also serves pastries from Clever Baking Co., a wholesale pastry supplier co-owned by Rose and French. That means scones, cinnamon rolls, and more, including collaborations like a biscuit with brisket from food truck neighbor J. Leonardi’s Barbeque. The restaurant also serves breakfast and lunch tacos.

Hurd and French have both competed nationally in the United States Barista Championship, and all three have a decade of experience as baristas. “Having worked behind the bar for many years, we have a lot of exciting ideas to bring to life,” shared Hurd. “Being a roaster means you get to select your coffees with intention and purpose.”

Blue Dahlia co-owner Amy Ramirez closed the nearly 13-year-old restaurant in May because of low sales, high operating costs, and the novel coronavirus pandemic. The other two locations in Westlake and San Marcos are still open.

Try Hard is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. The cafe is hosting a Black Lives Matter bake sale organized by Red Poppy Bakery on Saturday, July 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All pastry and cafe sales will be donated to the Austin Area Urban League Young Professionals.

• Try Hard Coffee Roasters [Official]
• Try Hard Coffee Roasters [Facebook]
• Try Hard Coffee Roasters [Instagram]
• Clever Baking Co. [Official]